Simple Greek Salad bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavors: crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy romaine, briny olives and creamy feta tossed in a bright lemon-and-oregano dressing. This no-cook, easy-to-prepare salad is perfect as a light main, a side with grilled foods, or a starter for a Greek-inspired meal.
This recipe is a wonderfully straightforward take on a classic Greek salad. The ingredients are fresh and vibrant, offering a pleasing contrast of textures: the snap of cucumber and peppers, the crunch of romaine, the softness of ripe cherry tomatoes and the creamy, salty bite of feta. Olives add a salty, savory depth while the lemon-and-oregano dressing ties everything together with bright, herbaceous notes.
No cooking is required—just chop, combine and dress. The salad holds up well if prepared a short time before serving, but for the best texture and flavor, dress it just before you plan to eat. It’s an ideal accompaniment to grilled meats and roasted vegetables and pairs beautifully with other Mediterranean dishes.
This particular version of the salad was contributed by a recipe supporter who enjoys grilling and family-friendly dishes. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser and makes a simple, colorful addition to summer menus, backyard barbecues or weeknight dinners.
Serve alongside warm bread for a satisfying meal, or include it as part of a multi-course Greek dinner. For a thematic finish, consider serving a light dessert such as a honey-and-nut pastry, or keep the menu fresh and simple with seasonal fruit.
Recipe by: Dave Weigel
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
None
Yield
Serves 4
Ingredients
The Salad
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1 English cucumber, chopped
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
1 can black olives, drained
1 cup (about 140 g) feta cheese, crumbled or cubed
1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
The Dressing
Zest and juice of 2 lemons
12 tablespoons light olive oil (or to taste)
2 teaspoons dried oregano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
To make the dressing
Combine lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, salt and pepper in a jar with a tight lid or in a small bowl. Shake or whisk until the dressing is emulsified and well blended. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
To make the salad
Prepare all the vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the cucumber and romaine, slice the pepper and onions. Place the vegetables and olives in a large salad bowl.
Add the crumbled or cubed feta on top. Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss until evenly coated. Serve immediately with warm bread if desired.
Tips and variations: For extra crunch, add chopped cucumber seeds removed if preferred or include a few toasted pine nuts. Swap in fresh oregano or basil if available. To keep the feta texture intact, add it after tossing if you prefer larger chunks to remain visible on top.
We’d love to hear your feedback. Did you tweak this recipe or add other ingredients? Share your experience in the comments below. Thanks for reading and happy cooking!
Recipe Card
Simple Greek Salad
4
5 minutes
5 minutes
Fresh vegetables, salty feta and olives, all tossed in a bright lemon-and-oregano dressing for a classic, easy Greek salad.
Ingredients
The Salad
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 chopped English cucumber
- ½ sliced red onion
- 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
- 1 can black olives, drained
- 1 cup (140 g) crumbled or cubed feta cheese
- 1 chopped romaine lettuce
The Dressing
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- 12 tablespoons light olive oil
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Make the dressing
Combine the dressing ingredients in a jar and shake well, or whisk in a bowl until blended.
Assemble the salad
Chop or slice all vegetables and combine in a large bowl. Add the feta and olives, drizzle with dressing and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 538
Total Fat: 48g
Protein: 7g
Nutrition information isn’t always accurate.
Delicious Salad Ideas
Easy and tasty salads to inspire your next meal. These choices pair well with the Simple Greek Salad or can stand alone as bright, satisfying dishes.
Pasta Party Salad
A colorful pasta salad with peppers, olives and a light cheese dressing—great for gatherings.
Greek Chicken Salad
Adds tender grilled chicken to classic Greek flavors for a heartier option.
Avocado Egg Salad
Creamy avocado paired with eggs creates a rich, satisfying salad—perfect on toast or as a side.